How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in PA?

Written and Reviewed by Daniel H Stoner

Founder of Stoner Law Over 10 years of experience in real estate law and civil litigation Graduated from Duquesne University School of Law, JD

By Daniel Stoner on March 5, 2024

The topic of landlords and raising rent is critical as it directly impacts the financial stability and well-being of both tenants and landlords. Rent increases can strain tenants’ budgets, disrupt their lives, and force them to relocate.

Landlords rely on rental income for property maintenance, mortgage payments, and investment returns. This dynamic is especially pronounced in cities like Philadelphia, where limited affordable housing options exacerbate housing insecurity.

Real estate law in such transactions can be complex, making legal guidance invaluable. At Stoner Law Offices, LLC, our real estate lawyers specialize in navigating the intricacies of property transactions and disputes, providing essential support to clients.

Does Pennsylvania Have Rent Control Laws?

Pennsylvania does not have statewide rent control laws. This means that, unlike in some other states or cities, there are no specific state laws, regulations, or limitations on how much landlords can increase rent. In the absence of rent control, landlords in Pennsylvania generally have the discretion to raise rent as they see fit, provided they adhere to the terms of the lease agreement and provide tenants with proper notice. However, even without set limits, landlords must follow specific procedures when raising rent.

Procedures Landlords Must Take to Raise Rent

While Pennsylvania lacks rent control, landlords aren’t completely free to raise rents on a whim. They must adhere to specific procedures to ensure fairness and transparency:

Provide Proper Notice: According to Pennsylvania law, landlords must give a tenant reasonable notice, typically ranging from 30 to 60 days, before they increase rent.

Comply with Fair Housing Laws: Increases cannot be based on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, religion, or familial status, ensuring compliance with state and local fair housing laws.

Review Lease Agreements: Landlords should review existing lease agreements to determine if they contain provisions related to rent adjustments and notice requirements as per requirements by Pennsylvania law.

Abide by Lease Terms: If the lease contract specifies terms for rent increases, landlords must adhere to these terms to avoid potential disputes or legal complications.
Open Communication: Pennsylvania law requires that landlords communicate openly and transparently with tenants regarding the reasons behind the proposed rent increase and provide new tenants with ample opportunity to ask questions or express concerns.

If your leasing terms seem unusual, your rights concerning rent increases remain protected. Landlords must adhere to these procedures to maintain a fair and legal process and avoid violation of law.

Common Violations In Raising Rent

In Pennsylvania, violations in raising rent can occur if landlords do not adhere to the state’s regulations and laws governing rent and increases. Some common violations include:

Improper Notice

Insufficient notice period: The required notice period varies depending on your lease agreement and local ordinances. Failing to provide the legally mandated notice period is a violation.

Unclear or incomplete notice: The notice should explicitly state the new price, effective date, and reason for the increase (if required). Ambiguous or missing information violates the tenant’s right to clear communication.

Non-compliance with the Lease Agreement

Exceeding agreed-upon limits: If your lease stipulates a fixed rent for the entire term or limits rent increases to a specific percentage, exceeding those limitations is a violation.

Failure to follow specific procedures: Some leases might outline additional steps landlords must take before raising rent, like offering renewal options or providing justifications for increases. Ignoring these procedures is a violation.

Discriminatory Practices

Raising rent based on protected characteristics: Any increase motivated by your race, religion, ethnicity, disability, or other protected classes is illegal and a serious violation.

Selective targeting: If the landlord decides to raise rent in Pennsylvania for only specific tenants based on discriminatory factors, even if the increase remains within legal limits, it can still be considered discriminatory.

Additional Violations

Retaliatory Increases: If the landlord wants to raise rent in retaliation for your exercising legal rights, like reporting maintenance issues or joining a tenant union, it’s a violation.

Coercion and Harassment: Pressuring you to accept an unfair increase through intimidation or threats is illegal and harmful.

How to Protect Yourself

As a tenant in Pennsylvania, understanding Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws and your tenant rights is crucial when facing rent increases. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s rent increase laws. While the state does not have rent control laws, local jurisdictions may establish their own regulations. Understand when and how landlords can raise your rent legally.

Review Your Lease Agreement

Carefully read your lease agreement. Look for any clauses related to rent and increases. If there’s no specific provision, landlords typically must wait until the end of the lease term to raise rent in Pennsylvania.

Document Everything

Keep records of all communication with your landlord. If you receive a rent increase notice, save it. Note the date, amount, and any other relevant details. This documentation will be vital if disputes arise later.

Understand Retaliation Laws

Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for tenant actions (such as requesting necessary repairs or reporting violations). If you suspect retaliation, seek legal advice.

Check Local Regulations

Some cities in Pennsylvania have specific notice requirements. For instance, in Philadelphia, landlords must provide 30 days’ written notice for rent increases during the first year of a lease and 60 days’ notice for longer leases.

Negotiate

Politely discuss the rent increase with your landlord. Express any concerns and explore whether there’s room for negotiation. Sometimes landlords are open to compromise.

Seek Legal Assistance

If you believe your rights are violated, consult with community legal services or a tenant rights attorney who understands Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws. Seeking legal advice is a vital step to protect your rights and interests when facing legal challenges for various reasons including:

Understand Legal Issues: When you encounter a legal problem, seeking advice helps you understand your rights, obligations, and potential risks. Legal professionals guide you through complex laws and rent regulations.

Get Customized Guidance: Legal advice is tailored to your specific situation. Attorneys provide personalized recommendations based on the facts.

Avoid Pitfalls: Legal advice helps you avoid common pitfalls. Make informed decisions, prevent costly mistakes, and navigate legal processes effectively by consulting with experienced lawyers.

Be sure to seek legal advice from a reputable law firm to ensure accurate interpretation of laws and tailored guidance for your situation. That’s what we stand for at Stoner Law Offices.

Get Help With Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Laws

Stoner Law Offices specializes in real estate law, blighted rental property conservatorship, and tenant rights. Our team offers professional representation, transparent billing practices, and a commitment to client satisfaction.

Are you facing landlord-tenant disputes? Whether you’re an individual or a business, our team protects landlord and tenant rights and provides legal support to explore the complexities of the law successfully. Contact us today for guidance on all of your legal needs.